How many times have I driven the streets of Norfolk, searching for kit homes?
Well, let’s just say it’s a number higher than 20. Earlier this year, I discovered a Martha Washington when Milton and I were on our way to buy some honey biscuits from Church’s.
That was a shocker.
And then yesterday, I had occasion to seek out and find a new post office here in Norview (by the airport) and on my way to the post office, I saw a PERFECT Aladdin kit house, The Maples.
Today, I drove down the same road (this time, with my camera), trying to get in position to surreptitiously get a photo, when I drove past a Sears Willard.
One street, and two perfect kit homes.
Wow.
Just wow.
And now I’m wondering if I’m going to find a Magnolia somewhere in Norfolk!
*
The Maples was a darling little bungalow offered by Aladdin (based in Bay City, Michigan).
*
One little house, two floor plans.
*
The second floorplan has no bathroom.
*
What a cute house!
*
Oh yeah, baby! What a perfect match!
*
The other surprise was the Sears Willard, just one block from the post office. The image above is from the 1928 catalog. The living room has three windows on the right side (seen above).
*
The Willard was a very popular house for Sears.
*
A perfect Willard, less than two miles from my house. Wow.
*
To learn more about kit homes, click here.
To contact Rose, leave a comment below.
* * *
Hello Rose,
We live in Baltimore, MD, and wanted to let you know about a house in our neighborhood that just came on the market. I am 99.9% sure it is a Sears Pennsgrove. Here is a link to the listing:
http://www.redfin.com/MD/Baltimore/427-Drury-Ln-21229/home/10460468
By the way, we love your blog!
Rose,
My name is Andy Dolson. I’m a contractor/homebuilder in North East Ohio.
Currently I am building a new home for my parents on an empty lot next to my mother’s childhood home in Stow, OH.
There is a “Willard” home three doors down from the house we are building.
Tragically this “Willard” home was a total loss due to a fire a few months ago.
Do you know of anywhere I can get an original or replica of the “Willard” advertisements to frame for the homeowner?
Cliches are cliches for a reason, and most postal workers will admit to having some concern over unfriendly dogs on their route. But a smaller, equally painful danger remains under-publicized. According to Kenny, a carrier in the Midwest, reaching into a mailbox to deposit your letters can sometimes be hazardous to his health. “Wasps like to get into mailboxes,” he says. “Especially if they have an outgoing mail slot. They build a nest in there. I’ve been stung quite a few times.”